Florida honors tourism and hospitality leaders
The 44th Annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held in late September at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa in Hollywood, Fla., honored tourism leaders and organizations from across the state. Ney Landrum, director emeritus of the Florida State Park System, received 2011 Florida Tourism Hall of Fame honors, and Newton Perry was inducted posthumously into the Florida Tourism Honor Roll. The former U.S. Navy SEAL instructor is credited with putting the nine-person town of Weeki Wachee on the map.
The 2011 Flagler Awards recognized destinations across 16 different categories ranging from Tourism Advocacy to websites. Top winners included:
Tourism Advocacy: Visit Tallahassee – Tallahassee T.O.U.R. Guide Campaign
Creativity in Public Relations: Visit Orlando – “Orlando World Smile Search”
Print Advertising: The Florida Keys & Key West – “Big eyes, full lips, drives men crazy (Angelina, is that you?);” “More fans than all of Facebook;” “Stay anchored at 35 mph;” “One part theatre, one part spectacle”
Websites: Visit Pensacola – VisitPensacola.com
Internet Advertising: Visit Pensacola – “Curious About Our Coast” interactive ads
Mobile Marketing: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood – Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood mobile app
Social Media Marketing: Daytona Beach Area CVB – Biketoberfest social media marketing campaign
Radio Advertising: Visit Orlando – “Orlando’s Magical Dining”
Mixed Media Campaign: Lee County VCB – “Still Pristine” campaign
Aline Ibanes, assistant guest services manager for the Emerald Grande Hotel in Destin, received the Iris D. Larson Hospitality Endowment’s Industry Service Award. Additional Iris D. Larson Awards recognized hospitality/tourism industry professionals and students who exemplify the qualities of selfless spirit of service and leadership in their work experience.
Presented by Visit Florida and the Florida Commission on Tourism, the honors and awards recognize contemporary and historic figures whose vision, creativity and drive made a significant impact on the development of Florida as a travel destination.
